At this point I reckon that blue diamond shrimp have become a rather small issue for Mark. He still looks like he is shocked to discover that a pet store has quality control problems and that real crime might be taking place in it. I don’t recall Jules Rivera indicating that this story recounts Mark’s first nature investigation. Perhaps not, but it would explain the deer-in-the-headlights expression he’s been displaying. I think it is clear that animal smuggling (not selling shrimp to minors) is the real reason for Agent Gunn’s investigation. So it sounds like Mark’s plans for a shrimp exposé just sank.

Why is Agent Gunn sharing this intel with a stranger, even if he works for his friend, Bill Ellis? And where does this leave Mark and his hopes for selling a story? This is an active federal investigation, after all. But I think Mark might get a lifeline. I’m betting that Agent Gunn is going to ask Mark to do some undercover work, since he’s an outsider and wouldn’t be known by the store’s personnel, who probably keep tabs on FWS agents.

Time for another Pointless Factoid: There is a real Reptile Roadhouse, but it is in New Jersey. And it does not sell exotic dwarf shrimp!